AJ’s Smokin’ Sports Corner: Conference Championship NFL Picks

Conference Championship NFL Picks

It is time for the conference championships on Sunday! I believe the 4 best NFL teams made it to the final four, so both games are going to be highly competitive. I must remind you that on Aug 29th of this year, a certain blog writer (ME) predicted that Denver would meet San Francisco in the Super Bowl. Here’s proof if you don’t believe me. If my prediction comes true, I will be kicking my own butt for not making a short term investment at Vegas based on that outcome.

Seattle looked extremely dominant in their win over New Orleans. Plus, let’s remember that stadium has to be one of the toughest and loudest to ever play in NFL history. If you combine that noise with the horrible weather that Seattle is known for, that stadium can be the visiting team’s nightmare. Seattle’s defense is absolutely legit. To shut out a Drew Brees led offense for 3 quarters on Sunday and allow a total of 22 points in 2 games (playoff and regular season match-up) is incredible to me! The Saints averaged 26.1 points per game this year to give you some perspective on how good Seattle performed. You combine that defense with great ball control offense of Marshawn Lynch running over, around, and through everyone in sight and Russell Wilson (the quintessential game manager), they are well-deserving of their place in the conference finals.

All those things I said above about Seattle, can be said about San Francisco. The only difference is they have dominated being the away team for 2 games while playing two very solid teams. Green Bay in January is like playing a game in the North Pole and Carolina was a very good team all year. I can picture Colin Kaepernick emerging as the elite quarterback that everyone thinks he can be. He is winning games with his arm, legs, and brain; he has the triple threat that you’re looking for in your quarterback.

Where do I begin with Tom Brady? How many Pro Bowl Receivers is he playing with now? Zero. Yet he goes out there and dominates, which is why I think he will go down as the second greatest QB to ever play the game. If he wins one more ring and ties Joe Montana, he could snatch that title away from “Joe cool.” The Colts received a thorough butt-kicking last Saturday night!

Peyton Manning is the most accurate passer that I have ever seen play. He places the ball in the perfect spot for his receiver to make a safe catch, or be able to turn upfield and make some more yardage. I did not think that game was going to be as close as it was. San Diego was a very formable opponent and they can build on that game going into next season.

Warning: I’m going to brag again. I correctly predicted the outcome of all four games last weekend, so maybe that will encourage you to check out my NFL picks for this Sunday.
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Score Prediction: Broncos 31 – Patriots 24
I’m not going to lie that I love Tom Brady. If I had not already predicted Denver would be going to the Super Bowl in my preseason prediction, I would have a tough choice to make. It comes down to the fact that I think Denver is a better overall team right now than New England. However, that doesn’t mean the Patriots don’t have a fighting chance because I have seen Brady win Super Bowls with less talent than he has now. I just think beating Denver at home is going to be tough. You may have heard rumors circulating that Peyton could have another neck surgery at the end of the season, which would affect his ability to play next season and possibly be the extra motivation that will put Denver over the top. I have a hunch that if Manning wins the Super Bowl, he will retire on top.
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Score Prediction: 49ers 24 – Seahawks 17
This one is going to be a great match-up! In the first game, you have the 2 old school QB’s going at it. In this game, you have 2 of the up-and-coming QB’s looking to take their place. If you look at this match-up, it’s difficult to determine what will be the difference because they mirror each other so closely. Both Coaches came from the college ranks and played in the Pac-10 Conference against each other before they made it to the NFL. They both have athletic, mobile quarterbacks running their teams. They also both have All-Pro Running Backs with Gore and Lynch that could easily take over the game.

Don’t forget that these teams have the 2 best defenses in the league this year. The only edge you can give to San Francisco is their better group of wide receivers with Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree compared to Seattle’s Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin. Outside of that, I think this is going to be a seriously competitive game! Also, if there is any team that could go into Seattle and battle that noise and elements, the 49ers are mentally tough enough to do that. In conclusion, I refuse to abandon my preseason prediction!